Here’s RAW in case you missed it:
From The Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan:
Hosted by John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL), Michael Cole and WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler.
HOUR 1:
This week opens WWE World Heavyweight Champion Alberto del Rio spoke about the way he regained the title from Dolph Ziggler last night at Payback. He thought back to how he faced him with a bandaged leg, and spoke about how the fans cheered for Ziggler last night. He decided to give the fans a second chance to respect him until the returning CM Punk appeared. Punk looked back on how he defeated del Rio for the WWE Championship at Survivor Series 2011, while he was disgusted with del Rio calling himself The Best In The World. Punk told him, “There’s only one Best In The World, and you’re looking at him right here!”, and challenged him to a match!!!
When del Rio was ready to accept the challenge, Paul Heyman appeared. Heyman tried to talk del Rio out of it by saying that Punk was still banged up from last night, but Punk demanded the match. del Rio warned him not to go through with it, but RAW Managing Supervisor Vickie Guerrero thought otherwise.
1. WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH: Curtis Axel (Champion) with Paul Heyman vs. Wade Barrett (Challenger/Former Champion).
Before Curtis Axel could come to the ring, Vickie appeared and gave Wade Barrett a new opponent: The Returning Christian!!!
Wade Barrett vs. The Returning Christian.
THE WINNER: THE RETURNING CHRISTIAN!!!
After the match, a new video of Bray Wyatt and his family aired.
2. A 2-ON-1 HANDICAP MATCH: Team Rhodes Scholars (Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes) vs. Sheamus.
THE WINNERS: TEAM RHODES SCHOLARS.
NOTE: After the match, Sheamus Brogue Kicked Cody Rhodes.
A video promoting the return of Rob Van Dam (RVD) to WWE at Money In The Bank aired.
3. A NO DISQUALIFICATION MATCH: Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan.
On the WWE App, the fans and viewers were asked to vote for what type of match it should be: A No Disqualification Match, A No Count-Out Match or a A Best 2 Out Of 3 Falls Match. The majority chose No Disqualification.
THE WINNER VIA REFEREE’S DECISION: RANDY ORTON!!!
The match was stopped out of concern for Daniel Bryan’s health. This match went into the first thirteen minutes of Hour 3.
HOUR 2:
The new WWE Divas Champion A.J. Lee raved about how she made Kaitlyn tap out last night, and challenged the whole Divas Division to face her. When she thought that they were too scared to come out, WWE Executive Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley appeared!!! She congratulated A.J., but labeled what she did to Kaitlyn as degrading to women everywhere, and told her to start acting like a champion. A.J. agreed, and told her “Instead of dating superstars, maybe I should just marry one!”. A.J. continued her rant, much to Stephanie’s anger.
Kaitlyn, alongside The Funkadactyls (Naomi and Cameron), Alicia Fox, Natalya Neidhart and Layla, congratulated A.J. Kaitlyn stated how A.J. manipulated, embarrassed and humiliated her, and charged the ring and her until Big E Langston pulled her out of the ring!!!
4. WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP: Dean Ambrose (Champion) vs. Kane (Challenger).
THE WINNER VIA DISQUALIFICATION: KANE!!!
WWE Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns caused the disqualification.
Before the start of the next match, Zeb Coulter appeared and stated that he decided not to be prejudiced, and found a new follower: Antonio Cesaro.
5. William Regal vs. Antonio Cesaro with Zeb Coulter.
THE WINNER: ANTONIO CESARO.
NOTE: After the match, Antonio Cesaro covered William Regal in the Don’t Tread On Me Flag.
HOUR 3:
WWE Champion John Cena stated that he’s ready for Money In The Bank, until he was interrupted by “The World’s Strongest Man” Mark Henry. Cena was ready to fight when Henry told him, “You can put your guard down!” and shook his hand. He delivered what was his retirement speech, and as he and Cena raised each other’s arms up in the air, he put him in The World’s Strongest Slam!!! Afterwards he yelled, “I still have some gas left in the tank!”.
6. Heath Slater with Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre vs. Chris Jericho.
THE WINNER: CHRIS JERICHO!!!
NOTE: After the match, Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre tried to attack Chris Jericho but failed.
7. A NON-TITLE MATCH: Sin Cara vs. WWE Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel with Paul Heyman.
THE SPECIAL GUEST COMMENTATOR FOR THIS MATCH: The Miz.
THE WINNER, AND STILL UNDEFEATED: CURTIS AXEL.
8. A NON-TITLE MAIN EVENT: WWE World Heavyweight Champion Alberto del Rio with Ricardo Rodriguez vs. The Returning CM Punk WITHOUT Paul Heyman.
CM Punk asked Paul Heyman to sit this one out.
THE WINNER VIA COUNT-OUT: THE RETURNING CM PUNK!!!
After the match, Dolph Ziggler ambushed Alberto del Rio from behind and savagely attacked him!!! After CM Punk’s name was announced as the winner, Brock Lesnar appeared and was going to talk to Punk, but F5’d him instead!!!
Match #3 and the main event are the highlight matches of the night!!!!!!!!
Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan, Alberto del Rio and CM Punk are the wrestlers of the night!!!!!!!!
The returns of Christian, Mark Henry and CM Punk, along with the surprise appearances of William Regal and Brock Lesnar, are the highlights of the night!!!!!!!
ANALYSIS: A so-so post-pay-per-view RAW.
Next week, WWE Monday Night RAW will be broadcasted live from The North Charleston Coliseum in North Charleston, South Carolina.
